7 Things I Learned This Election Season

I don’t know about you, but I’m plum near ready to wave the white flag and just surrender.

I can’t take the negativity any longer!

We have seen, unprecedentedly, the worst of humanity.
I’ve seen people on my Facebook newsfeed proclaim, “unfriend me if you’re voting for Trump, because I’m not friends with bigots.” I’ve listened to podcasts where the hosts berate their Trump-supporting listeners, calling them “racist/homophobic products of incest.”

Yeah.

#Classy

I’ve seen people on Instagram proclaiming that Hillary’s supporters are actually the “basket of deplorables,” in love with pantsuits and okay with killing babies.

The lowness of humanity has been rampant, on display, and it’s all about to end, come tomorrow night.

Halle-frickin-lujah.

I’m not here to tell you who you should or shouldn’t vote for. That’s up to you, and I hope you will prayerfully consider your choice.

But, walking away from this election season, I have learned a few things.

#1. Honesty is always the best policy.

Doesn’t matter if it’s about your homework, about your whereabouts on Friday night, about why you want to bail on a get together, about the state of your recovery or sobriety…the truth matters. And it always comes out.

#2. What you eat in private, you wear in public

OK, so that’s the saying we’ve all heard…but it applies to, well, a lot of this election. *cough cough* The Clinton Foundation and their pay-for-play scandal. Her deleted emails. The Trump Access Hollywood Tapes…

And speaking of which

#3. Mind what comes out of your mouth.

Donald Trump, I’m lookin’ at you.

But no really.

Eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.

#4. What you put out on the Internet can and will exist forever.

Remember how we all were afraid of this when Facebook first came out? Yeah, well it turned out to be true. Thank you, Wikileaks. Hillary, if you’re going to do some shady communication, it will sooner or later come to light.

Luke 12:3 “…what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”

#5. Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Slogan

After all of the debates, all of my friends, regardless of political party association, walked away going, “All I can think about is, ‘Make America Great Again.'”

But above all…

#6. Don’t be a Weiner

This is for both The Donald and Hillz. They both demonstrated some pretty vile and just downright inexcusable behavior. More than be role models of what to be, they’re role models of what not to be.

Finally…

#7 If all else fails, Beyonce.

Hillary, if you win tomorrow, Beyonce better be getting one hell of an Edible Arrangement on Wednesday.

„If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended, that you have but slumber’d here, while these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, no more yielding but a dream.“ (William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Good comments on one of the messiest campaign seasons I have lived through. We all need perspective now as we are not in control of the outcome. But we both know who does. Thanks and I am impressed as always. John

Very well said! It has never been about contrived issues for me. Issues just represent ways the government can relieve us of our individual responsibility. It has never been about who pretends to care, who is nicer to your face, or who is crude. It HAS been about integrity, however, but more importantly, voting, for me, has always been about how we are governed, and for the most part, how we can reduce the intrusion of too much government, how we can prevent government from solving problems I never knew I had. The unofficial motto in Washington is so true: If it ain’t broke, fix it until it is.

You crack me up sometimes. You sure your not from Louisiana ? You would fit right in there. Hey, I spent time in New York and loved it there. No one understood a single word I said but they thought I was a hoot. Now, in New Jersey they thought I was ass king of the south. Something about the word No seems to give them trouble.

Excellent post. Who needs negativity when you can get a few laughs out of the circus?

Like you, I am not shy about my political proclivities, but I’m not in the habit of telling people who to vote for. Vote for whomever you want to vote for, just a) make sure you can back up why and b) win or lose, act civilized.

In any event, politics just increases my faith in God. Because I refuse to believe that this is all there is to life…

“The point of public relations slogans like “Support our troops” is that they don’t mean anything… That’s the whole point of good propaganda. You want to create a slogan that nobody’s going to be against, and everybody’s going to be for. Nobody knows what it means, because it doesn’t mean anything. Its crucial value is that it diverts your attention from a question that does mean something: Do you support our policy? That’s the one you’re not allowed to talk about.” – Noam Chompsky

But thanks for offering up some advice. Pretty sure everyone who has and will exist throughout time said/did things they wished remained private. Can’t live a life out of fear of what may be found out about you, so if you mean it, shout it!

Thank for this great food for thought. Definitely something to think about. I agree, I definitely have things I wished remained private…haha–maybe even some early blog posts fall into that category! Haha Hugs and love xox

It is amazing the amount of mud that gets slung around during election time. 🙁 Sometimes it is legit mud. Other times, it’s like *sad head shake* can we just focus on what you stand for? Give us a real reason to vote for you.

Oh! by the way, I don’t know if you do awards or not, but I have nominated you for the Entertainer Blogger Award. You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to. It’s totally up to you. 🙂

Hi Caralyn, you analyze & pinpoint the situations very well in your post. And you put the verses into the context very well I think. I’m not into any candidates, I just want to tell you my concerns. In my country Indonesia that’s in deep concern regarding #3. With a couple of previous Trump’s lack of statesman thoughtful statements, if Trump wins, I am just afraid the minority/double minority in other countries, would easily be a scapegoat. If any unintended friction occurs, can blow up a damage in other part of the world, that means our life. Hope myself & everybody take care of what comes out from the lips.

Hi Caralyn, sorry I need to correct one of my sentence above, it should be, “If any unintended friction occurs, can blow up a damage in other part of the world, that CAN BE our life.” Of course, it’s not Trump or any of his supporters would do this. It’s the impact of the unthoughtful speech. Okay, whether to choose/not & which to choose, I hope for the better of USA, the better of any other countries & the better of world peace. Best regards.

Beloved Caralyn! You have the right to vote for your prefered candidate or you can consciously abstain from voting. Trust your inner conscience and follow your preference. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump are very christlike leaders, but we must find a way to work together in the Spirit of compassion and hope. It is time to transcend all that nonsence of hatred and fear politics and bring the light of our consciousness to the world. Maybe you will like these wise words from J.K. Rowling:

J.K. Rowling held up Donald Trump as an example of the importance of freedom of expression. I may disapprove of what he says, but I will defend his right to say it. And I’ll be your friend anyway. Let us pray for America and the world.

Thanks for this! And I appreciate you passing along JK’s speech. I can’t wait to listen. You’re right, no matter the out come, we will need to come together as a unified country and pray for our new leader. Hugs and love xox

Seeing is believing 🙂 We can change the atmosphere, but we must start with our own mind, our way of speaking and thinking. You are a actress and know the power of presence. Presence can change everything. If we reflect the mind of Christ, we can elevate the whole world to a higher standard. Yes, let us make America great again – and the whole world (as citizens of the world and members of one humanity). We can go to the next leven and make the world greater than ever before, in spiritual as well as material degrees. Our society is mainly driven by material values, but we can enlighten it with our spiritual values and noble deeds, translate faith into action.

Whoever will be president tomorrow, we must find a way to work together. And who knows, maybe Trump will be it and become a strong leader? He was an effective businessman. One of his strong sides: he is very passionate about what he does and he motivates others around him with that kind of energy. His personality has light and dark sides, but the truth is: we all have them. Even the greatest Saints. We must learn to work with that, individually and collectively, and speak open about that. Your blog is one example how powerful words are, who deliver a positive and encouraging message, who are truthful and sensitive. We need more of that in all areas of our society: more real humanness and empathy.

I am older than most people. My first Presidential election was in 1976, and I voted dutifully and happily. Then and now, I saw voting as the only real obligation of being a US citizen. I voted this year, too, on the first day of early voting in my state. I voted because of my conscience, and voted as it dictated. All the same, I feel afraid for our national future and I am embarrassed by this election.

This made me smile, I’m thoroughly weary of 2016 and politics. And I’m an immersive “politofile”. The last two years I’ve interned, campaigned, delegated, and cried more than anything. I just hope that when I finally graduate, I can work for an elected official worthy of their position.

Good points, Caralyn, and humorous, too. Hard to be funny in this political climate, but you pulled it off. Unfortunately, I’m afraid it won’t all be over tomorrow. The kind of anger and negativity that’s shown up isn’t going to go away after the election. All the more reason why we need to pray, be a positive voice, and shine our light, as you are doing.

There is always hope, if there is one person like you, Caralyn. One in a million is enough to change the whole atmosphere 🙂 I remember this great words from St. Seraphim of Sarov: „Acquire peace, and thousands around you will be saved.“ – that sounds like a good plan. Christ calls us to be like a city of light on a hill that cannot be hidden. It is a great sign that many people desire true leaders who are worthy of their position. Let us now focus on the road ahead and share the Light and Truth of the Gospel.
This is a crazy election season and we live in challenging times, but we can use it for our growth, „from chrisis to Christ“.

I hate to say this, but it won’t end tomorrow. Trump has threatened to dispute the election, and if 1980 is a lesson, the election if it is close could go for months. I don’t think it will, because of the Latino vote. However, other Trump followers have threatened civil war, and that is an unfortunately plausible scenario. We have a large cadre of generally less educated whites who want to return to a past that never was, These are some of the same people who swing Confederate flags and wear white bed sheets and hoods. They are Deplorable in every sense of the word and could bring us all down. Sadly, I don’t think the ugliness ends tomorrow, and I’m not sure how bad it will get. I hope I’m wrong.

Hey Vic, thanks for this. I’m afraid you’re right…it’s going to be recounted and recounted until we’re blue in the face. Wow civil war. That is scary. Scary scary scary. I hope that’s not the case too. Gotta just pray for peace. Hugs and love xox

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a]neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord

Hey, this is hs from theway2there.com. So I continue to enjoy your posts. I am working on a new website/community focused on addiction, abuse and trauma and I need guest bloggers/content partners. Would love to have you be a part of it. Your story is a great fit. Can we talk? If so feel free to shoot me an email at hshackleford@yahoo.com and we can go from there.

Disclaimer: I’m not in the USA or a citizen so I have no right to vote, I don’t think either candidate is a good choice – as an observer with no say, this has been a fascinating year. I would consider myself center/left in general but the hippocracy of the left is out of control. The definition of bigot is: a person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions…. so those who want to unfriend people for voting for Trump are themselves bigots. The bias and mis reporting by both sides of the media (who are supposed to be unbaissed) and the laziness is unbelievable. If your interested in intelligent media analysis and deconstruction I highly recommend the No Agenda podcast http://www.noagendashow.com/ I’ve learnt a lot about the US election system and media, and learnt how to see through the laziness and poor quality of modern media. The do shows on Sundays and Thursdays. Happy Election!

Hi Sherri, thank you so much for this reflection. You’re right, neither choice is ideal. We’re basically choosing between the lesser of two evils. Thanks for passing along that podcast. I look forward to checking it out! hugs xox

You are absolutely right sherill. There is no true democracy without freedom of expression. If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all. Freedom of expression is a universal right or no right at all, a right and a responsibility.

The election has taught us many things. I think you have highlighted some pretty good points. Overall, we have learned that its smoke and mirrors, and that those in control are not seen, but heard. We can visibly see the movement happening before out eyes. Its the slight of hand that is so smooth, that you are fooled every time, even though you have seen the trick performed year after year. Our system is great, but it needs a major overhaul.

I will say this. I did not vote for Hilary because of all the truly wicked things she has done. Many of my friends voted third party in this election. I will be soooo glad to see all the campaign signs come down and the stupid commercials stop airing. Enough already!

I see a lot of comments here that seem to understand that politics is so far out of focus from representing us common people. Even the representation does not really coincide with any lasting change so it’s nice that the comments are more geared to positive actions. Even just not being a jerk in public is much appreciated.

I don’t vote for the party nor the man, I vote for what the person plans to do. Ms Clinton seems to forget that she is doing what others did to her husband who did horrific things while in office, and destroyed (as far as I am concerned) the party line. Now she is following in his footsteps. People should look at the politicians when this country was founded. They did not work year round being president (among other offices) They had families to raise, farms and other businesses to care for. They were NOT carrier politicians who later became lobbyists out to control and destroy our country/lives. I get to vote tomorrow. I am neither Republican nor Democrat. AMD glad this will be over with tomorrow!

Well my dear friend… I am so glad to be Canadian right now!
And well yes, we’ve only all too recently had our own heated election (except most Canadians seem to do elections a little more politely–and I say only a little) and I still see yards I mean meters of ranting ridicules for ‘that young upstart’ running the country now; it makes my heart hurt that democracy doesn’t really work. But enough of your neighbor’s woes 😉

I only really followed your election closely for the brief window when Dr Carson (the man I was named after wouldn’t you know) was still in the running and Trump was still only the joke of the light comedy night. But I’ve heard been bombarded enough about it all that I can empathize, and I feel this is about to be a big change for America for better or worse – but I’m no prophet and there are enough ‘prophetic’ voices already raised on the subject. But suffice it all to say, you’re all in my prayers. And remember this: He [Father] controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. (Daniel 2:21)

Have you ever heard Loui Giglio talk about the universe? Do you know that if the earth were the size of a golf ball the sun would be 15 feet in diameter? Did you know that one of the biggest known stars would be like the size of Mount Everest if the earth. Were the size. of a golf ball? Did you know Father breathed those stars into existence? I think he can handle something as trivial as an election–don’t you? (: So don’t worry–Father holds the whole world in the palm of his hand and he still cares enough about each single person on our little blue-green golf ball. No matter what happens in the next few days, He’s still Father, He’s still our God, and no Trump or Hillary (or anyone else except it be a widow putting her only two small coins into the offering) will ever shake or move him. Huzzah!

Hey Carson! Thanks for this! Hah I wish I was Canadian right about now! Lol oh wow! You were named after dr. Carson? That’s awesome. Yeah I liked him. Thank you for the prayers. However this turns out, well all need to come together and pray for the new leader. I haven’t heard that talk. But wow I love how comforting that thought is. Thanks for sharing:) Hugs and love xox

So when you have some free pondering time check them out! My favorites are Symphony, and Fruitcake and Icecream and they’re all just so full of the great bigness of God and new perspective on life and creation and ah…indescribable.

So best of luck ‘Murica and remember, Canada isn’t heaven but we’re only a local call away 😉

Hey girl! I’m so anxious about the whole election but in my opinion both are as bad as each other. Most of us in Britain feel the same way – not everyone of course – so people love Clinton and some ADORE Trump.

Thanks for this! It’s so fascinating to hear The different perspectives from around the world. Yeah it’s kinda the election of the lesser of two evils at this point. Have a great day! Hugs and love xox

Nice balance of humor and poignancy (I didn’t even now poignancy was a word until I just tried to type poiniance…) I do like your mention of Eph 4:29 because Unwholesome talk has hurt me before, both from my own mouth, and then in a twist of ironic justice false unwholesome talk from others in the form of rumor! If I ever run for office I will take one of my moral inventories and publish it on twitter, instagram, facebook, and even myspace so that my past becomes public knowledge and not news! Great post dear!

In line at 5:50 AM with my oldest son, out the door by 6:25 AM and that was Presidential election number 11 for me and number 1 for him and his younger brother who voted early a few weeks ago. Good post and have a blessed day! Jim

I’ve had so many people preach to me to get out and vote, but when I’ve done all the research in the world and still wave my hands in the air and go “I don’t know who I’d want to lead this country” I can’t just go eeenie meenie miny mo. I’m not someone who votes based on parties. I vote based on person, but I’m not liking anything I see. We are supposed to pick a leader, but no matter who is elected today, I won’t see any leaders. Leaders are supposed to inspire and be role models. I don’t have kids, but if I did I would not want by kids saying I want to grow up to be Donald or Hillary. We may make history today and vote in the first female president….great for women…yet not so great in my opinion. If I had a daughter I wouldn’t want her looking up to someone who has been investigated by the FBI. I’m not a supporter of either candidate I don’t affiliate with either party. I’m just a person who wants a good, genuine person to represent our country. That might be impossible in politics, but at least someone who appears to be good. Ha! I’m honestly worried for this country for more reasons than this election. The past few years I’ve noticed more hatred towards each other even at trivial matters. If we keep going on spreading the hate, and not raising our children right to open their minds and seek compassion I’m worried about what we’ll turn into.

Well, it’s almost too late to worry about it now. Those of us who have been close enough to see “the orange yam” in action are voting against him. Whether it’s sending jobs to China, cheating on taxes (the $30 million he owes NJ, not the income tax thing), or not paying contract workers and using illegals as employees, he’s done exactly the opposite of everything he’s said in this campaign. If you want to encourage hatred in this country, let him win. He’s already filed lawsuits to prevent Latino votes from being counted. Think about it: He’s not carrying NY, NJ or Vegas, the three areas that know him best. There’s a reason.

Loved everything about this post. I’m at a point of where I can no longer look at the media, I no longer want to be confused of who it is I should vote for. I’ve been praying on this situation, and hope that God leads His people to make the right decision.

Marianne Williamson: A Prayer for America
„Dear God,
We the people place in Your hands
The American Presidential campaign. We atone in our hearts
For all mistakes leading
To the debasement of our political culture.
We surrender to you any judgment of others,
Our own unforgiveness and fear,
and pray that Your spirit prevail.
May Your hand be upon both Trump and Clinton.
May they both arrive where You would have them be.
And place your hand upon us all, dear God.
May we not be guided by fear
but by love,
And our nation returned to its highest ideals.
Forgive us for our foolishness,
Our carelessness,
And our lack of compassion
For each other and the world.
Dissolve the walls that divide us
And heal the wounds that bind us.
Just as in our beginning,
May Your light shine bright upon us.
Make of us again, dear God,
a light unto the world.
Amen“

We, all of us, need to look deeper and work for true change. It will take more than a gentle application of the consumer brake pedal to avoid some of the kaka that’s coming down. Hindsight is 20-20, and my comment is dated November 9th, but this election is kinda like an x-ray that tells us that some serious surgery is required… We need it north of the 49th as well. Proportional Representation would be a start. Thanks for being one who cares.

Thanks for this. You’re right, we need change. in the form of love and inclusiveness and peace and understanding and respect. All of those things, I have faith, we can and will one day see. Thanks for this perspective. Hugs and love xox

Hi Julie! Oh gosh, I’m so sorry I haven’t checked my email in the past few days. I’m getting ready for a shoot on Thursday and I have been scrambling to learn my script and such. It’s beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com. I apologize for the delay. I will get to it soon! Hugs and love xox

American now ranks 4th as best places to live in the world — and that was before the election. Some analysts are projecting a loss of 3.4 million jobs due to Trump’s economic plans, but most don’t expect him to pay attention to much that he said in the campaign. My expectation is that two things are going to happen. Either people are going to be very disappointed, or some people are going to be very hurt from a family, financial and health perspective. Probably both.

It was eye opening for sure! Hate has won the day again (and I’m not talking about who won or lost the election; fans of both sides are egotistical, self-obsessed bigots). It is a reminder to those of us who are working on being enlightened individuals that it is so important to be a beacon of goodness to those around you. It made me reflect on some of my own negative habits and motivated me to stamp them out.

I actually got the opposite. I chose to vote third party and I had friends troll me and write passive aggressively for supporting either of the chosen ones. It was very frustrating and hurtful. I would change one thing on your list, #7, if all else fails Alabama. “It’s that Five o’clock Five hundred!” LoL!

If I was American I would have definitely voted after reading this! Maybe you should have been president because you are honest, you want to and do help people and you live in the real world and apparently anyone can become president with no experience needed. I think you would have smashed it! This may sound a little sarcastic but it’s not meant to be I’m actually being genuine x

Well it’s finally over and to be honest I am disappointed but I realize that I have to live my life and I am praying to God for everything to be alright. The plan of God was done and I don’t question that. I pray that from this point on this Country can heal and come together. Yes there is fighting everywhere for rights and being Black I know that fight but we should not be a country where people have to fight for rights because we are better than that. For me I will pray each and everyday for my family and friends and of course All of Gods Children that we move forward in unity. Great post.

This has certainly been a controversial election, with less-than-perfect candidates. Honestly, Trump’s victory took me by surprise (not that I wasn’t rooting for him over Clinton); I guess the polls were wrong. Nice post, and through it all, it is a great comfort to know that God is in control.

I agree with you that the candidates (and audiences at debates and events) demonstrated how not to behave. I see irony in Trump winning the electoral college by a slim margin of 7 votes over the 270 votes required to win (must have been WV’s 5 votes); and, Clinton winning the popular votes 48/47%. No mandates, other than to listen carefully to what our laws and citizens say. Keep your observation skills keen (must be in Proverbs somewhere, or Star Wars).
Oscar

Sorry! Sent too soon! Yeah it was definitely a tight race. Which just points to the need to come together and set aside differences and pray for the healing of our nation. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox PS: I’m part of the .001% that hasn’t seen Star Wars!! 😱😱😂

Great insights. I like how you examined the behavior of both sides. Thank God he holds the heart of the ruler in his hand and turns it where ever he wishes.

On Mon, Nov 7, 2016 at 6:59 PM, BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

> beautybeyondbones posted: “Well, here we are, on the eve of the election. > I don’t know about you, but I’m plum near ready to wave the white flag and > just surrender. I can’t take the negativity any longer! We have seen, > unprecedentedly, the worst of humanity. I’v” >

You did it again, Friend, brightening a day for many with truth, humour, inspiration, with a good Scripture base, showing where your foundation base is.
Thanks as always,
Now, Americans, that the election is over, it doesn’t mean the praying should end, probably more needed.
I know we in Canada need to keep praying for our Prime Minister and Cabinet, with some of their ideas, as he has been in office for one year now.
Particularly our Premier in Ontario we need to pray for also, as her plans are morally destroying our province, and some of them are spreading Federally.
If it wasn’t for a Loving God who will, and does control, we would have no peace.

Have you considered writing a book. You are an excellent writer. 😀
God’s Blessings, with hugs and love back to you. 💐

Thank you so much. Yeah, prayers for our leaders are so important. And Oh my gosh, that is so kind of you to say! I actually have a manuscript that I’ve been sitting on for over a year…I just don’t know what to do with it now! Haha thanks for your encouraging words! Hugs and love xox

This resonated with me. thank you. I was a trump supporter, different from an endorsement, from the get go. I’m also a devout christian with a passion for the republican party. I hated the way some of my favorite christian lady authors made me feel while they touted their support for the other candidate. Today I make a joyful noise for my country and President elect. I love no matter what! xo

You are one of my favorite bloggers and this post just bears that out once again. I live in Canada and am lucky I didn’t have to pick a person to back in the presidential election. This was a great article and gave me a wonderful perspective from an American viewpoint.

I hope you don’t mind but I did a post on a prompt from the 365 Days Of Writing Prompts and chose your blog (this post actually) in order to write from the prompt. 🙂

The prompt was :
Third from the top – Head to your favorite blog. Scroll down to the third post in the list.Take the third sentence in the post, and work it into a new post of your own.

Here is the link to my blog post so you can see it. I gave your blog a shout-out as you can see at the top along with a link to this post.